A statement from SAPS has named the three suspects as Nhlakanipho Khumalo (30), Ernest Zondo (39), and Zephrid Hlongwane (36). They will remain in jail after their appearance in the Volksrust District Court, Mpumulanga, on 12 June 2025, on charges of dealing in dagga.

SAPS says: “the suspects were arrested in the early hours of the morning at approximately 00:30 (on 10 June 2025) by members of Wakkerstroom SAPS during a routine stop-and-search operation. Officers stopped a silver-grey Toyota Corolla carrying three occupants. Upon inspection, the vehicle was found to be loaded with four large bags of dagga” (Editors note: this doesn’t quite correlate with the photo released by SAPS above)

According to police, the total weight of the seized cannabis was 93 kilograms, with an estimated street value of R558,000 (Editor’s note on police valuation: R6 000/kg; ie R60/gm).

The officers are scheduled to appear again at the Wakkerstroom Magistrate’s Court on 18 June 2025.

The occupants of the escorted vehicle, a civilian man and a woman, are to be charged separately, and remain in custody while police investigate the matter futher.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrests and praised the officers involved.

“This arrest demonstrates the dedication of our members to their oath to serve and protect. I appreciate their integrity and commitment to justice. I also trust that the National Prosecuting Authority will act accordingly,” said the General.

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